RECOGNITION OF FRANCO

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 7

RECOGNITION OF FRANCO

THE PREMIER’S ANNOUNCEMENT DECISION OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE CRIES OF “SHAME!” FROM OPPOSITION MEMBERS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 28, 11.35 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 27 The Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, in the House of Commons announced Britain’s recognition of General FrancoHe said it was impossible to regard the scattered Republican Government as the sovereign Government of Spain. Britain noted with satisfaction General Franco’s public statement of his determination to ensure the traditional independence of Spain. Even if the southern Republicans resisted further there was no doubt about the ultimate result, and the prolongation of the struggle would only result in further suffering and loss of life. The recognition of General Franco’s Government, said Mr Chamberlain, was unconditional- France was taking similar action to-day. The Opposition greeted the announcement with catcalls and cries of “Shame!” Mr Chamberlain intimated that the question could be debated to-morrow.

General Franco In Control Mr Chamberlain said as a result of the fall of Barcelona and the overrunning of Catalonia General Franco was now in control of the greater part of Spanish territory, both on and beyond the mainland. Included in this territory were the most important industrial centres in Spain and the sources of most of her productions. Even if the Republican forces in the southern sector should continue to maintain some show of resistance there could be no doubt of the ultimate issue of the struggle. In these circumstances Britain had decided to inform General Franco of its decision to recognise his Government as the Government of Spain, and formal .action had been taken in this sense that day. Mr Chamberlain added that the British Government noted with satisfaction public statements by General

RECOGNITION BY FRANCE HAPPY .END TO MIBSION NEW AMBASSADOR PROPOSED (United Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright) (Received Feb. 28, 1 p.m.) PARIS, Feb. 27 A communique states: “ The Council of Ministers has unanimously decided on the dejure recognition of General Franco. It congratulated M. Berard on the happy conclusion of his mission.” M. Daladler described* the agreements which had been reached after negotiations. A new French Ambassador will be nominated during the week. The Spanish Chamber of Commerce hoisted the Nationalist flag and handed over the keys to the Marquis Quinones Deleon, the Nationalist representative, who is expected to become General Franco’s Ambassador here. FRANCE AND SPAIN RESTORATION OF PROPERTY NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 28, 1.50 p.m.) PARIS, Feb. 27 The Foreign Office announces that following accord between the French and Spanish Governments the former has declared itself prepared to facilitate! the restoration to the Nationalist Government of property belonging to the Spanish nation. “The two Governments have affirmed the establishment of friendly neighbourly relations.”

Franco concerning the determination of himself and his Government to secure the traditional independence of Spain and to take proceedings only in the case of those against whom criminal charges were laid. Answering questions by the Opposition, Mr Chamberlain stated that the Cabinet had decided to leave in the hands of Viscount Halifax and himself the final decision as to whether recognition should be granted, and, if so, when, and the final decision was taken over the week-end. Some Heated Exchanges The Leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr C. R. Attlee, reminded Mr Chamberlain that on February 23 he (Mr Chamberlain), said he was not in a position to make a statement. Mr Chamberlain; “It was left to Viscount Halifax and me, and we reached a decision over the week-end.” There was some heat In further exchanges. Mr Chamberlain said: “I refuse to be cross-examined on details of hours and moments without notice.” Mr W. Gallacher (Communist): “You should be impeached.” Mr Attlee: “You misled the House last week and got away without a debate. In future I will have questions in another place, where I can get a proper answer ” Labour Party Censure The Labour Party tabled the following censure motion for discussion in the House of Commons on February 28: ’ “ In the opinion of the House the decision of the Government to grant unconditional recognition of a Spanish insurgent force dependent upon foreign intervention constitutes a deliberate affront to the legetimate Government of a friendly'Power, is a gross breach of international traditions, and marks a further stage in tlic policy which is steadily destroying in all democratic countries confidence in the good faith of Britain.’ THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT TO LIVE IN FRANCE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright: LONDON, Feb. 27 The Republican President, Don Manuel Azana. has left Paris for Collongessous-Saleve, in the Haute Savoie, where lie intends to live privately. The Communist Party in Madrid today issued a manifesto declaring its determination to “fight on to the bitter end.”

WILDLY CHEERED

WELCOME TO GENERAL FRANCO RECOGNITION BY POWERS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 28, 1.30 p.m.) BURGOS, Feb. 27 The British Charge d’Affaires informed the Foreign Minister that Britain had decided on the recognition of General Franco, and also requested that he be recognised as the British Charge d’Affaires. Coinciding with his recognition, General Franco was wildly cheered on his first public appearance here since the beginning of the Catalan offensive. He arrived secretly on February 26 accompanied by his wife and daughter. KAUNAS, Feb. 27 The Lithuanian Government has decided to recognise General Franco. Latvia and Estonia are reported to be doing likewise.